4 of a kind ... in Kilkenny

Ballylehaun House sits on five acres in the foothills of the Binnianea and Cullohill Mountains close to the picturesque village of Gathabawn in an area of outstanding natural beauty, 20km from Kilkenny city.

Ballylehaun House sits on five acres in the foothills of the Binnianea and Cullohill Mountains close to the picturesque village of Gathabawn in an area of outstanding natural beauty, 20km from Kilkenny city.

Share

4 of a kind ... in Kilkenny

Independent.ie

Ballylehaun House sits on five acres in the foothills of the Binnianea and Cullohill Mountains close to the picturesque village of Gathabawn in an area of outstanding natural beauty, 20km from Kilkenny city.

Gathabawn has all the essential amenities of country life, including a public house, school, church, and shop. The North Kilkenny and Laois Hunts are both close by and there is plenty to occupy those of an equestrian bent.

54 Ardilea - €195,000

The house is approached from a quiet country lane past attractive stone pillars and handmade wrought iron entrance gates. A tree-lined avenue, lit by antique street lights, leads to the detached cut stone farmhouse, which dates back to the 18th Century. Ballylehaun is surrounded by mature gardens and railed paddocks and there is an abundance of mature trees including sycamore, copper beech and ash. The one-acre gardens feature a large stone-edged pond and waterfall, and flower beds planted with colourful and exotic shrubs. Outbuildings currently house stores and a double stable but could be converted to provide additional accommodation, subject to planning permission.

The house was refurbished and extended in the late 1990s but retains many period features including inglenook fireplaces, sash windows and exposed stone walls. The entrance hall has a flagstone floor and the dining room, drawing room and one of the four bedrooms are on the ground floor.

The hand-crafted, fitted kitchen has a breakfast counter, centre island and exposed pitch pine timber beams, with a pine timber floor and French-style stove. High cathedral-style ceilings with Velux windows ensure that this is a light-filled space, and patio doors allow access to a side sun deck with views across the surrounding countryside. There is a separate mezzanine area used as a study and also a utility room with access to the garden and garage. Three further bedrooms, one of which is en suite, and the family bathroom, are upstairs.

Ballylehaun House, Gattabaun, Co Kilkenny, €550,000

Black Freren House - €400,000

Agent: Donohue Properties (056) 777 0400

Luxury on Lovers Lane

54 Ardilea on Lovers Lane in Kilkenny is a smart two-bedroom apartment on the ground floor of a private, gated development 10 minutes' walk from the city centre. The grounds are nicely landscaped and overlook New Park Fen. The living space extends to 88 sqm and there are two bathrooms, a kitchen fully equipped with all appliances and a utility room. The apartment has a B3 BER rating and the annual management charge is €1,600. The location is convenient for the Newpark Hotel and John's College secondary school and the apartment comes with a designated parking space.

Agent: Donohoe Properties (056) 777 0400

Cromwellian crib

Black Freren House on Abbey Street in the heart of Kilkenny is one for those who like their house to come with a bit of history. Fully restored by the current owners, the property is full of character and has views of the Dominican Black Abbey. In 1702 it was leased to one John Gale at a yearly rent of £2-4-6 and two fat capons, and parts of it may have been built as early the 12th Century as a gatehouse to the city. Legend has it that Cromwell slept here around the time of his invasion of the city. There's 181 sqm of living space and three bedrooms, with a courtyard in front and a south-facing patio and landscaped garden.

The Schoolyard - €390,000

Agent: Sherry FitzGerald McCreery (056) 772 1904

Schoolyard smart

The small Schoolyard development of just nine houses is located on Castlecomer Road on the site of what was Kilkenny's Model School up until the early 1990s. It is situated at a pivotal crossroads within the city close to Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny College, Newpark Shopping Centre and accessible to the proposed Central Access Scheme. When complete, The Schoolyard will comprise three different house types priced from €320,000, all with an A3 BER rating. No 2 is a detached four-bed house with 185 sqm of living space. Various allowances for kitchen, tiling, wardrobes and fireplace are included in the purchase price.